Strengthening Ecosystem Sustainability and Climate Resilience Through Integrative Nature-Based Solutions in Bontioli Natural Reserve, West African Drylands

Publication Type

Journal Article

Name of Author

Issaka Abdou Razakou Kiribou, Africa Center of Excellence for Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation (ACE Climate-SABC), Haramaya University,Follow
Kangbéni Dimobe, Département de Eaux, Forêts et Environnement, Institut des Sciences de l’Environnement et du Développement Rural (ISEDR), Université Daniel Ouezzin Coulibaly, Dédougou Burkina Fas
Sintayehu W. Dejene, Institute of Geophysics, Space Science and Astronomy, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa

Publication Date (Issue Year)

2025

Journal Name

MDPI-Earth

Abstract

Natural reserves in the West African drylands play a critical role in sustaining livelihoods and preserving ecological integrity. However, these ecosystems face growing threats from climate variability and anthropogenic pressure. This study assesses the potential of Nature- based Solutions (NbSs) to enhance climate resilience and mitigate human-induced degra- dation in Bontioli Natural Reserve (BNR), one of the region’s key biodiversity hotspots. We employed an integrated approach combining ecological assessments, climate and anthro- pogenic pressures analysis, and participatory governance framework. Generalized additive modeling (GAM) is applied to assess the long-term vegetation response to climate stressors. A conceptual framework that integrates climate resilience with socio-ecological systems is developed for synergies conservation. Our findings indicate a consistent vegetation decline at a rate of 0.051 ± 0.043/year, driven by rising temperatures, and declining rainfall, which is exacerbated by anthropogenic land use pressure since 2000. Human population growth is strongly correlated with cropland expansion (R2 = 0.903) and vegetation loss (R2 = 0.793). As a result, 53.85% of species populations are declining, with 30.77% classified as endan- gered or vulnerable. Based on the scientific evidence, NbSs have emerged as cost-effective and sustainable strategies to restore ecological function and strengthen communities-based conservation. The proposed NbS framework offers a holistic pathway for safeguarding long-term ecosystem resilience in dryland reserves, directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13 and 15.

Keywords

nature-based solutions, natural reserve, climate resilience, land-use change, biodiversity, West Africa dryland

Rsif Scholar Name

Issaka Abdou Razakou Kiribou

Rsif Scholar Nationality

Burkina Faso

Cohort

Cohort 4

Thematic Area

Climate Change

Africa Host University (AHU)

Haramaya University, Ethiopia

Funding Statement

This work was supported by the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET) Regional Scholarship Innovation Funds (RSIF) who supports our research. We are grateful to the Natural Resources Institute (NRI) at the University of Greenwich, UK, for their support and guidance during our internship.

Recommended Citation

Kiribou, I. A., Dimobe, K., & Dejene, S. W. (2025). Strengthening Ecosystem Sustainability and Climate Resilience Through Integrative Nature-Based Solutions in Bontioli Natural Reserve, West African Drylands. MDPI-Earth https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/earth6030111